Sherlock Holmes: The Card Game (1991) Board Game

Sherlock Holmes: The Card Game was released in 1991 by Excalibre Games, Inc. It is a murder mystery card game based on the iconic detective character created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The game is designed for 3-8 players, with the best player count being 4. Players take on the roles of investigators trying to solve a murder mystery by collecting evidence and making deductions.

Game Components of Sherlock Holmes: The Card Game

Cards: Illustrated with pictures from the original Sherlock Holmes stories, including Movement, Location, Info, Action, Detectives, and Villains cards.

Box and Contents: The game includes a box in very good condition, with the contents in excellent condition, though there may be some storage wear[5.).

How To Setup Sherlock Holmes: The Card Game

To set up the game, players need to shuffle the deck and distribute the cards. Each player starts with a hand of cards, and the remaining cards are placed face down in a draw pile. The objective is to create sequences and combinations of cards to progress through the game, using various card types such as Movement, Location, and Action cards to navigate through Victorian London.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Sequencing: Players draw and lay cards in sequence to move through the game.

Movement: Use cards to travel by Hansom Cab or Train.

Location: Visit various locations to gather Clues and Suspects.

Info: Gather information to aid in the investigation.

Action: Use cards like Disguise, Inspector, Arrest, or Alibi to influence the game.

Detectives and Villains: Interact with Detective and Villain cards to solve the mystery.

Objective: The game ends when an Arrest successfully reveals a Villain, or when a player discards their last card, allowing a Villain to escape. The goal is to have the fewest cards remaining in your hand, with scoring based on the cards left and the outcome of the arrest.

Player Experience

Players take on the roles of detectives and villains, navigating the intricate web of clues and alibis in a fast-paced and engaging game. The game requires strategic thinking and bluffing skills, making it an entertaining and challenging experience. The illustrations from the original novels add to the immersive atmosphere, transporting players to the streets of Victorian London.

Pros

Immersive Atmosphere: Faithfully captures the real atmosphere of the Sherlock Holmes stories.

Strategic Depth: Requires strategic thinking and planning.

Interactive: Players can bluff and use various actions to influence the game.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 10 and above.

Cons

Complexity: May be overwhelming for younger players due to the variety of card types and actions.

Storage Wear: The box may show some storage wear over time.

Personal Thoughts on Sherlock Holmes: The Card Game

**Sherlock Holmes: The Card Game** is perfect for fans of murder/mystery games and deduction puzzles. It is ideal for families or groups of friends who enjoy strategic card games with a strong thematic element. The game’s ability to accommodate a wide range of players (3-8) makes it a versatile addition to any game collection. If you’re looking for a game that combines historical charm with modern gameplay, this is an excellent choice.

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